Mohammad Hasibul Hossain, fondly known as “Shanto,” was a prominent cricket player from Bangladesh in the 1990s. As the country’s sole fast-bowling star of that era, he carried the hopes and dreams of an entire generation of cricket fans. While his career was plagued with inconsistencies, Hasibul had his moments of glory and left an indelible mark on the cricketing landscape of Bangladesh.
Born and raised in the cantonments of Dhaka, Hasibul was the son of an army officer. He discovered his passion for cricket at an early age and started playing in the weekend competitions for retired cricketers in the capital city. It didn’t take long for his talent to be noticed, and he was soon picked up by the prestigious Mohammedan Sporting Club, with whom he would go on to have a long association.
Hasibul burst onto the international scene in 1995, making his debut for Bangladesh against Sri Lanka. In an unforgettable first over, he dismissed the renowned Roshan Mahanama, instantly capturing the attention and imagination of cricket fans across the nation. However, his career was beset with inconsistencies, particularly in aspects of his bowling technique, such as his front-on action, landing his feet properly on the crease, and his inconsistent follow-through.
In 1997, during Bangladesh’s most successful ICC Trophy campaign, Hasibul played a crucial role, taking 11 wickets and showcasing his talent on the world stage. However, it was his decisive act of taking the winning leg-bye in the final against Kenya that secured his place in Bangladeshi cricket folklore. During the 1999 World Cup, he continued to make contributions, taking three wickets in four games.
Sadly, in March 2000, Hasibul suffered a severe knee injury when he was inadvertently struck by Pakistani batsman Zahoor Elahi during a club game in Dhaka. The incident sparked a violent brawl between supporters of Abahani and Kalabagan in the stadium. After making a recovery, Hasibul returned to the international arena but was never the same bowler again. His performance against England in the 2000 Champions Trophy was bitterly disappointing, and he struggled to make an impact in the five Test matches he played.
In September 2003, it seemed Hasibul’s cricket career had reached its endpoint. However, he received a surprise call-up to face India in an ODI in 2004. Unfortunately, his return was marred by a merciless thrashing from the Indian opener Virender Sehwag. This marked the end of Hasibul’s international career.
Following his retirement from the international scene, Hasibul continued to play first-class and club cricket. However, as time went on, he decided to shift his focus towards his business ventures and quietly left the cricketing arena.
Despite his inconsistencies and untimely injuries, Hasibul Hossain remains a cricketing icon in Bangladesh. He was an inspiration to aspiring fast bowlers across the country, and his early successes showcased the potential of Bangladesh in the cricketing world. Though his career may not have reached the heights many anticipated, his contributions to the sport and his undying passion for the game created a lasting legacy.
